The Best Crème Fraîche Substitute You Didn’t Know You Needed

The Best Crème Fraîche Substitute You Didn’t Know You Needed

Cookie Cake House

Homemade Crème Fraîche

Craft your own velvety crème fraîche at home with just two ingredients for a perfect culinary staple.

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5 from 1 review
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 0 mins
Total Time 12 hours 5 mins
Servings 1 cup
Calories 400 kcal

📝 Ingredients

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1
    In a clean glass jar or bowl, combine the heavy cream and buttermilk (or yogurt). Stir gently until just combined. Ensure your heavy cream is at room temperature for best results.
  2. 2
    Cover the jar loosely with plastic wrap, cheesecloth, or a clean kitchen towel. This allows air to circulate while keeping out contaminants.
  3. 3
    Let the mixture sit at room temperature (ideally between 68-72°F / 20-22°C) for 12 to 24 hours. The exact time will depend on your ambient temperature and the strength of your cultures. You will notice it gradually thickening and developing a subtle tangy aroma.
  4. 4
    After 12 hours, give it a gentle stir. If it's still too thin, let it sit for a few more hours, checking periodically. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and have a distinct, yet mild, sour scent.
  5. 5
    Once it reaches your desired consistency, give it a final stir, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. It will continue to thicken slightly as it chills.

💡 Notes

Homemade crème fraîche will last in the refrigerator for about 1-2 weeks. Always give it a sniff test before using; it should smell pleasantly tangy, not sour or off. For a thicker result, ensure your heavy cream is very cold before culturing, though room temperature cream cultures faster.

🥗 Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 400 kcal
Protein 3g
Total Fat 43g
Saturated Fat 27g
Carbs 4g
Fiber 0g
Sugar 4g
Sodium 35mg
Cholesterol 130mg

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